Day 19 – To Be True to Our Life-Long Commitment

I’m especially known to nap in the car, whether we’re driving across town or taking a road trip. I just have to close my eyes and I’m down for the count. Last thing I remember from this afternoon is that we drove up to someone’s house to drop off a guitar, the next thing I knew we were pulling up to Skinner’s Diner in Lockport. I was out cold. I don’t remember my husband getting back into the car or driving us there.

I also sleep on airplanes. In fact two years ago I stepped onto a plane in Hershey Pennsylvania and woke up in Chicago. I opened my eyes asking myself, “Are we taking off, or are we landing?” Seriously I had no idea if the ride was over or about to begin.

Maybe it’s the steady hum of the motor that lulls me to sleep? Or could it be that I have full confidence in the driver? My guess is that it’s a combination of both. Like sweet and sour sauce, the mixture of the two make for one incredible blend.

So it is with life.

The steady hum of the engine reminds us that the same faithful God who brought us this far can bring us much further yet.We’re on a journey in which we either trust the pilot enough to let go and let God or jump at the first sign of turbulence.

Without realizing it, we rely on the provision of God each and every day of our lives. If we lose a nail we expect it to grow back, when we cut ourselves we expect that our body will repair it’s own wound, and each time we take a breath we assume the next one is not far behind. The Creator knew exactly what He was doing when He designed you and me. Every part of our body, from our hair down to our toes was uniquely crafted by Him. Therefore we trust.

What can we say then about marriage? About our marriage? If God is the author of marriage between man and a woman, then He’s got it covered. Couples will fight, feelings get hurt, wives get ignored, husbands neglected, so how can we trust in a better tomorrow? Because the same faithful God who brought you this far can bring you much further yet.

Corrie Ten Boom once wrote, “When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don’t throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer.”

How many times have couples jumped ship? Looking at the divorce rates in Canada and the US, the answer is a disappointing “far too often.” Too many young couples have given up before they had a chance to experience what a mature relationship has to offer. Too many parents have given up on family before they experienced the joy of growing together as one. What happens when “giving up” isn’t an option? You determine to work through things together, being true to the life-long commitment you made.

Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher, married 86 years (the longest married couple in the world) offer a few words of advice for young couples:

We are both Christians & believe in God.Marriage is a commitment to the Lord.We pray with & for each other every day

Everyone who plants a seed & harvests the crop celebrates together. We are individuals, but accomplish more together.

Agree that it’s okay to disagree, & fight for what really matters. Learn to bend – not break!

Remember marriage is not a contest – never keep a score. God has put the two of you together on the same team to win.

Respect, support & communicate with each other. Be faithful, honest & true. Love each other with ALL of your heart.

Today’s Vow: To Be True to Our Life-Long Commitment

The Challenge: Set the course of your thought pattern early on in your marriage. Remind yourself that marriage is a life-long commitment, and that it’s worth fighting for.